Rutherford has commercial shot in city

Wednesday

Oct 2, 2013 at 12:32 PM

Luke Smucker

Pontiac will be on television — and maybe a lot — before the next gubernatorial election. That’s because candidate for governor Dan Rutherford will be using his hometown as one of the locations used in a campaign commercial. Lydia’s Cup was filled with patrons Tuesday morning because Illinois State Treasurer Rutherford made an announcement that the restaurant was the first stop for an upcoming political commercial being filmed in downtown Pontiac, which was completed later in the day. Owners Dave and Carey Rice, two of many local business owners asked to talk with Rutherford for the commercial, were on hand to greet customers and talk with friends prior to Rutherford’s arrival. “I am running for governor and I wanted my hometown to be part of that,” said Rutherford. “We have the beautiful courthouse and small businesses; we are using it as background for the commercial.” Dave Rice was excited to have the state treasurer choosing his restaurant for the commercial. Rice, said that he and his wife have kept up with the race and support Rutherford in his run for governor. “It’s exciting to think that someone of his stature in the political community would want to focus on us right here,” said Rice. “We found out about him wanting to shoot a commercial here a couple days ago. They were doing a little scouting and stopped by to see if we’d be interested in letting them film here; it something we’ll always remember.” In contrast to some political commercials that can be filled with artificial set pieces, backgrounds and actors, Rutherford wanted an authentic hometown feel for his commercial. Lydia’s was chosen for its location, atmosphere and product. “Lydia’s Cup is a cute little place,” he said. “We have a lot of good small businesses here in Livingston County, but Lydia’s is a scenic place. It’s close to the courthouse and the owners are friendly and offer a good meal.” Rutherford feels strongly about remembering his hometown during his race for governor in 2014. The state treasurer said while it is important to do well in the Chicago area and downstate in order to win over voters across Illinois, he does not lose sight of the fact that Pontiac is his home. “When I become governor of Illinois, this is my home,” said Rutherford. “Sure, I’ll have residence in Springfield at the Governor’s Mansion, but this is where I’m from and this is where I am going to keep my private residence.” Rutherford believes small business is affected most by what goes on in Illinois government. When taxes are raised and workers compensation situations are compromised, he said it is small business that feels the effects of those choices first. “Our small brick and mortar retail shops are so important to providing quality of life in our local community,” said Rutherford. “As governor of Illinois, my priority will be to help small businesses make sure they can help jobs grow.” In regard to when the commercial will be showcased on television, Rutherford couldn’t say. However, he said when the commercial does appear, Pontiac will be showcased. “I am going to continue to brag about my small rural community in Pontiac and Livingston County,” said Rutherford. “This is what Illinois is — small communities are what make us such a great state.”